Europa – Children’s Books – Ireland

An Irish Post issued two stamps based on the theme of Children’s Books, the chosen topic for this year’s Europa series. The books selected for this issue were The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde and Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, both of whom are much-loved and renowned authors in Ireland and internationally.
The Happy Prince was first published in 1888. It is a tale about a golden statue of a Prince, who befriends a migrating swallow. The Prince is saddened by the poverty and pain his citizens experience daily. He enlists the help of the swallow and together they bring happiness to others, in life, as well as in death.

Gulliver’s Travels, originally published in 1726, tells the tale of Lemuel Gulliver, a surgeon, who sets sail for the South Seas and journeys to several remote regions of the world. The book is divided into four parts, and the adventures are told by Gulliver, after his return home from his final voyage.

These two enchanting stories, which were penned so long ago, are still enjoyed by children today. Neither of these tales has ever been out of print – testimony to how relevant, timeless and very readable The Happy Prince and Gulliver’s Travels undoubtedly are.Title: Europa – Children’s BooksDate of Issue: 6 May 2010Country: IrelandDenominations: 55c, 82c